Car hire in Spain

Hiring a car in Spain

Spain is one of Europe's most popular destinations, boasting sunny weather for the majority of the year and beautiful beaches all along the coast.

It's well-known as a laid-back nation, going so far as to make an afternoon siesta a tradition that sees shops and schools closing their doors for a few hours.

The most popular coastal areas in Spain are Barcelona, Valencia, Benidorm, Alicante and Malaga, while Seville, and Madrid are firm favourites among the destinations further inland.

Each of these areas has its own culture and each is known for its own Spanish delicacy. Food and wine are part of Spain’s soul and - along with the stunning sights, beautiful weather and historical architecture - are what makes Spain such a popular destination.

What you need to know

Spain has a variety of options for car hire across the entire country, with almost all of its airports offering a range of high-quality suppliers at affordable prices.

In addition, all of the nation's major cities have suppliers, so you can be sure that wherever you're looking to collect your hire car, you'll have plenty of options nearby.

With so many options in such a wide number of locations, you'll find that our booking engine will help you to find the most competitive prices for your needs. Many suppliers also give you the option to collect the vehicle in one location and return it to another, so if you plan to travel around the country, you can do so with ease.

Where to pick up your car

Spain is a large country, so you can choose the best pick-up location depending on your needs.

If you're flying into the country and would like to pick up a vehicle right away, then the main airports all have a variety of suppliers.

These can be arranged upon arrival, but you'll find that you can get a much more competitive price if you book in advance.

You can pick up your car from almost any city in the country. Obviously, the bigger cities will have a much larger number of suppliers, but you can still find great deals for smaller destinations by searching with our booking engine.

Best Car Hire Companies Spain

Car Hire Reviews Spain

“The pick-up was easy, it took 5 minutes from arriving at the desk to driving out the car, and the return took even less time. Booking with Holiday Autos was easy and I received the car that I had asked for, just perfect!” Diane T

Where to go

Spain has so many amazing destinations, that you certainly won't be able to visit them all in one trip.

In the south, the Costa Del Sol has some stunning beach locations that you will not want to miss, including Fuengirola, Malaga, Benalmadena and Marbella. Slightly further inland from here, you can visit the stunning towns of Mijas, Ronda, Alhaurin and Ardales.

If you're visiting Barcelona, you might want to drive further north to Lloret de Mar or Girona.

Costa de Almeria is a stunning region that has large areas of undeveloped land, while Costa Brava is made up of lots of small villages based in its coves.

Driving in Spain

Spaniards, like most Europeans, drive on the right-hand side of the road. The national speed limit is 120km/h on motorways, 100km/h on dual carriageways and 90km/h on single carriageway roads.

A few of the main motorways around big cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia include toll charges, but the majority of roads across the entire country are toll free.

In more rural and mountainous areas roads are known to often be very narrow and precarious, so for those who aren't familiar with the area, caution is advised. Also, in some areas, the rules of the road are adhered to less strictly than in the UK, so again, it pays to stay aware at all times.

Longer drives

There are literally hundreds of places to explore across Spain, so where you choose to go will depend on which area of the country you are visiting.

Inland from the Costa Del Sol, there are some stunning towns and villages in the mountains. In just under an hour you can reach Ardales, which is considered the Lake District of Spain. Three beautiful turquoise lakes are surrounded by pine forests, creating a hideaway that's perfect for fishing, swimming and kayaking.

Further north, if you drive along the coastline of the Costa Brava, you'll see the stunning Greek and Roman ruins at Empúries, and Salvador Dalí’s former home just outside the picturesque town of Cadaqués.

Alternatively, if you're starting inland in Madrid, El Escorial to Ávila takes you from Felipe II’s colossal monastery, over the hills to the historic walled city of Ávila.

Top attractions to visit in Spain

Spain has so many stunning villages, towns and cities, that it could take you years of exploring to see everything that you want to. However, you can delight in the different cultures and stunning scenery at some of these top destinations.

Malaga

In the Costa del Sol, Malaga is one of the top destinations visited by tourists around the world every year.

Pescaíto frito (deep-fried fish), porra (tomato and dried bread soup) and ajoblanco (bread, almond and garlic soup) are some of the most traditional dishes in this area.

Malaga, along with the rest of the Costa del Sol, boasts stunning beaches, as well as towns that contain a perfect mix of historical architecture and contemporary structures that mean you can find everything you would want from your trip, while also learning about the rich culture of the area.

Seville

Seville has often been touted as one of the best places to eat in Spain - and you really will be spoilt for choice. Carrillada de Cerdo (pork cheeks) is a local delicacy, as is Solomillo al Whiskey (whiskey glazed pork loin).

One of the most famous sights in the city is Las Setas, which translates as “The Mushrooms”. This structure put Seville on the map for contemporary architecture, and is home to an archaeological museum, a food market, restaurants and a concert space. From the top of Las Setas, you can enjoy stunning views across the city.

Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most visited and well-known provinces in the north of Spain, offering a mix of stunning beaches and tourist facilities, as well as some of Spain's most beautiful architecture.

Many of the city's structures date back as far as medieval times, while it is also home to many World Heritage Sites, including Casa Mila, Sagrada Familia and Palau de la Música Catalana.

It is also well-known for its football team, FC Barcelona, which has fans in all corners of the globe.